McCrory scheduled speaker for aviation foundation gala in Havelock

Published: Wednesday, January 16, 2013 at 05:41 PM.

Gov. Pat McCrory is scheduled to be the keynote speaker at the annual Eastern Carolina Aviation Heritage Foundation Gala Jan. 25 in Havelock.

The fourth annual gala and fundraiser will be held beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Havelock Tourist and Event Center.

Also speaking will be Charles T. Burbage, executive vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin Corporation, who will address the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and that aircraft’s scheduled replacement of the AV-8B Harrier, the EA-6B Prowler and the F/A-18 Hornet in the Marine Corps arsenal.

The title for this year’s event is "Science and Math Take Flight" and will focus on the accomplishments of the foundation and local students involved in science, technology, engineering and math education, often called STEM. Thomas A. Braaten, retired Marine Corps general and former commander of Cherry Point, and the current director of Coastal Carolina Regional Airport, is scheduled to be the master of ceremonies.

Braaten is scheduled to discuss foundation plans for expansion of exhibits at the tourist center as well as planned development of adjacent properties along Slocum Creek into a recreational area. He is also expected to address how STEM education programs are preparing students for possible jobs in the aerospace industry.

He’s also expected to add a lighter side to the activities as well.

"We expect this to sell out extremely quickly," said Diane Miller, spokeswoman for Havelock. "We have not advertised at all and it’s almost sold out already. It will be critical for individuals to purchase their tickets as soon as possible."

Gov. Pat McCrory is scheduled to be the keynote speaker at the annual Eastern Carolina Aviation Heritage Foundation Gala Jan. 25 in Havelock.

The fourth annual gala and fundraiser will be held beginning at 5:30 p.m. at the Havelock Tourist and Event Center.

Also speaking will be Charles T. Burbage, executive vice president and general manager of Lockheed Martin Corporation, who will address the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter and that aircraft’s scheduled replacement of the AV-8B Harrier, the EA-6B Prowler and the F/A-18 Hornet in the Marine Corps arsenal.

The title for this year’s event is "Science and Math Take Flight" and will focus on the accomplishments of the foundation and local students involved in science, technology, engineering and math education, often called STEM. Thomas A. Braaten, retired Marine Corps general and former commander of Cherry Point, and the current director of Coastal Carolina Regional Airport, is scheduled to be the master of ceremonies.

Braaten is scheduled to discuss foundation plans for expansion of exhibits at the tourist center as well as planned development of adjacent properties along Slocum Creek into a recreational area. He is also expected to address how STEM education programs are preparing students for possible jobs in the aerospace industry.

He’s also expected to add a lighter side to the activities as well.

"We expect this to sell out extremely quickly," said Diane Miller, spokeswoman for Havelock. "We have not advertised at all and it’s almost sold out already. It will be critical for individuals to purchase their tickets as soon as possible."

Individuals can purchase tickets for $40 each or two for $75. Sponsorships are available from $300 to $5,000. A $300 sponsorship includes a table for eight. Individuals or businesses should return sponsorship forms or individual ticket forms with checks payable to the Eastern Carolina Aviation Heritage Foundation and mail to Eastern Carolina Aviation Heritage Foundation, P.O. Box 368, Havelock, NC 28532 or email forms to GMeadows@HavelockNC.US and go online to www.ecaviationheritage.com and pay online.